Become an
Expert Problem Solver
You’re curious how other organizations have implemented Continuous Improvement methodologies like Lean Six Sigma to improve their business processes. But you’ve also heard it’s complicated, uses a lot of fancy statistics and it takes too much time to learn. So, you’ve put off using this valuable methodology. Until now.
With this course, you will learn how to pinpoint a problem, systematically address the underlying causes and develop controls so they don’t resurface. But in a user-friendly and down-to-earth approach.
Break Down the DMAIC Method
This course breaks down project phases into bite-sized mini-lessons that will guide you step-by-step to problem-solve with the best of them. You will learn Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control that are the foundational steps of the ‘DMAIC’ methodology.
Implement the Improvement
You will learn to define the problem statement, measure the ability of the process to meet specifications, analyze the process that created the error, brainstorm ideas for improvement and finally, establish control systems to ensure the original problems does not resurface.
Deliver Results
The bottom line to your organization is less waste, improved productivity, more satisfied customers and overall lower operating costs. The bottom line to your professional development is a clear understanding of how to solve any problem by leveraging your newly acquired knowledge.
Course Curriculum
- A data based approach works.
- How do you become a problem solver?
- Projects are selected based upon data
- What do champions, sponsors, and project managers do?
- Projects meet specific milestone deliverables.
- Expect to grow your skills.
- What problem solving methodologies will you will learn in this course?
- Steps to problem solving - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.
- Assignment - 1: Welcome to this Course.
- Learning objectives in defining the opportunity.
- Define the problem.
- Capture the voice of your customer and use the affinity diagram to document this.
- Define CTQ (Critical to Quality) characteristics.
- Use the Cause and Effect Matrix to identify processes affecting the CTQ's.
- Write a compelling problem statement.
- Define your scope.
- Set a Goal for your project.
- Develop your project schedule.
- Establish your project benefits, both hard (ROI) and soft.
- Use the RACI tool to develop your team structure.
- Use the project charter to communicate your intent.
- Analyze support from your key stakeholders.
- Develop an elevator pitch to engage others.
- Determine your communication plan.
- Document a high level process map.
- GO TO GEMBA - what can you do right now to improve?
- Assignment - 2: Define
- Learning Objectives in Measuring the current State.
- What is a measurement?
- Select the right metric.
- What is waste?
- Establish the performance standard.
- Ensure your data tells the AS IS story.
- Qualities of a good a sample
- Explore ways to visually represent the data.
- Identify trends and patterns.
- Present your data in a way that educates and influences others.
- Assignment - 3: Measure.
- Learning Objectives in Analyzing the root causes. (1:53)
- What is a root cause? (4:56)
- Use a Fishbone Diagram to brainstorm root causes. (5:36)
- Use the 5 Why's tool to probe each root cause. (5:02)
- Use FMEA to identify and prioritize process gaps. (19:03)
- Prioritize the top root causes. (7:45)
- Narrow your list to the Vital Few X's using the impact vs control matrix.
- Assignment - 4: Analyze.
- Learning Objectives in Developing Solutions.
- Use a Creative Thinking approach to brainstorm solutions.
- Propose possible solutions.
- Help team to decide using a Wants vs Needs Decision making matrix.
- Pilot Solutions.
- Mistake proof your process.
- Perform a risk assessment.
- Develop your improvement plan.
- Assignment - 5: Improve.
- Learning objectives to the Control phase.
- Develop your control plan.
- Use dashboards to share visually with stakeholders.
- Revisit GO TO GEMBA to confirm solution works.
- Document your new process.
- Develop and launch a training plan.
- Close your project and finalize benefits.
- Document a post mortem review.
- Assignment - 6: Control.
You are the Change Agent
One of the biggest challenges of any problem-solving initiative comes from organizations that are in denial. “The process has always worked this way,” or “We fixed the issue, but it keeps coming back,” or “We can inspect for quality at the very last step.” Here, you will make a difference by understanding how to work with your team of experts to identify the customer’s requirements, use data appropriately, and most importantly, not to declare victory until proper controls are confirmed and in place.
This is your time to demonstrate leadership and project management skills as a change agent.
Interested in this course?
We are putting the finishing touches on this course, and it will be ready soon!
To learn more about a beta version, please contact us.
[email protected] (610) 793-0986
